Abstract

Research exploring domestic abuse victims has primarily focused on the shorter term avenues of support for victims and the risk factors which put women at risk of victimization. There is limited research exploring the belief systems of domestically abused women that need to be targeted to achieve longer term effects. The present study therefore explored the association between the beliefs of abused women and their experiences as victims. Twenty-one women with a history of domestic abuse were asked about their attitudes towards authority figures and perceived opportunities around the time of their abusive experience. Data were analyzed using Smallest Space Analysis (SSA). Four distinct belief themes (personal responsibility, antisocial attitudes, environmental factors, and negative police attitudes) were found in the analysis. The findings highlighted not only the importance of considering the long standing and personalized beliefs of abuse victims, but also demonstrates the need for support services to offer more personalized support to abuse victims to help change their belief systems. Although this research sets the groundwork in understanding the beliefs of domestic abuse victims, these results need to be built upon with future research examining the wider implications of targeting the belief systems of domestically abused women.